Earl Weaver's jersey hangs above the main stage at the Baltimore Convention Center, where Orioles FanFest is taking place today. (Photo by WBAL's Casey Willet)

In June, 2012, Earl Weaver's statue was unveiled at Camden Yards. Here is some of what he had to say at the unveiling. Download This File

Earl Weaver managed the Orioles from 1968-82, and then again from 1985-86. (AP file photo)

Earl Weaver was known for his loud arguments with umpires, including this one from 1980, at a game against the Tigers. He argued with umpire Bill Haller over a suspected balk by Mike Flanagan. Download This File

Boog Powell played first base for Earl Weaver from 1968 until 1974. He reflects on Earl Weaver. Download This File

Before his statue was unveiled in June, Earl Weaver visited the WBAL studios and was interviewed by WBAL's Mary Beth Marsden. (WBAL file photo)

WBAL's Robert Lang and Keith Mills report on the death of Earl Weaver in WBAL News at 10. Download This File

The statue of Earl Weaver was unveiled last June at Camden Yards. (Photo by WBAL's Robert Lang)

After his statue unveiling in June, Earl Weaver joined Fred Manfra and Joe Angel on an Orioles baseball broadcast on WBAL. Download This File

Orange beads, an orange lei and an Orioles cap from the Weaver era were placed at the feet of the statue. (Photo by WBAL's Robert Lang)

This Orioles fan places a bottle of National Bohemian beer. Eric, who place the bottle, says the Baltimore brewed beer should serve as "a toast" to Weaver. (Photo by WBAL's Robert Lang)

Dick Gordon, Weaver's marketing agent, said Saturday that Weaver died while on a Caribbean cruise sponsored by the Orioles. Gordon said Weaver's wife told him that Weaver went back to his cabin after dinner and began choking between 10:30 and 11 Friday night. Gordon said a cause of death has not been determined.

The Earl of Baltimore, as he was affectionately known in Baltimore, took the Orioles into the World Series four times over 17 seasons but won only one title, in 1970. His .583 winning percentage ranks fifth among managers who served 10 or more seasons in the 20th century.

"Earl Weaver stands alone as the greatest manager in the history of the Orioles organization and one of the greatest in the history of baseball," Orioles owner Peter Angelos said. "This is a sad day for everyone who knew him and for all Orioles fans. Earl made his passion for the Orioles known both on and off the field. On behalf of the Orioles, I extend my condolences to his wife, Marianna, and to his family."

Weaver returned to manage from 1985-86.

Weaver was ejected from 91 games during his career after many very loud arguments with umpires.

He knew almost everything about the game. He was also a great judge of human character, and that's one of the main reasons why he was loved by a vast majority of his players even though he often rode them mercilessly from spring training into October.

"His bark was worse than his bite, but you had to know him and kind of grow up with him, and then you loved him like a father," said Davey Johnson who played for Weaver from 1965-72.

"He was a used-car salesman in the minor leagues during the offseason, so he learned a lot of ways to sell you on just about anything."

Pat Dobson, who pitched two seasons under Weaver, said, "Certainly, the years I played for him were the two most enjoyable years I've had."

During games Weaver smoked cigarettes in the tunnel leading to the dugout and he never kicked the habit. He suffered a mild heart attack in August 1998, and the Orioles' manager at the time, Ray Miller, wondered aloud how his mentor was holding up.

"I wouldn't want to talk to him if he hasn't had a cigarette in 10 days," Miller joked. "They've probably got him tied to a chair."

Weaver was a brilliant manager, but he never made it to the majors as a player. He finally quit after spending 13 years as a second baseman in the St. Louis organization.

"He talked about how he could drive in 100 runs a year, score 100 runs and never make an error," Johnson said. "He said he never got to the big leagues because the Cardinals had too many good players in front of him."

"Earl was such a big part of Orioles baseball and personally he was a very important part of my life and career and a great friend to our family. His passion for the game and the fire with which he managed will always be remembered by baseball fans everywhere and certainly by all of us who had the great opportunity to play for him. Earl will be missed but he can't and won't be forgotten."

The death comes on the day when the Orioles host their annual FanFest at the Baltimore Convention Center.

WBAL's Oriole producer Casey Willett reports that crews have put Weaver's jersey and banner around the main stage at the convention center.

Many players and fans attending the event paid tribute to Weaver.

Tribute at Weaver Statue

Many fans stopped by the Weaver statue at Camden Yards after FanFest.

A floral wreath, an orange Hawaiian lei, an Orioles cap with the cartoon bird from the era when Weaver managed and even a bottle of National Bohemian beer were left at the statue which had been turned into a memorial.

"I'm just down here paying a tribute," said John Chamberlin of Pockomoke City, who snapped a picture at the statue.

"He was a fighter, he was a legend, who just inspired us in every game."

"It's a sad day for all of us at FanFest. I think Earl was the greatest manager there ever was," Lenny Thornton of Baltimore told WBAL News as he watched a crowd of people take pictures at the statue.

"I grew up with Earl Weaver and his tactics and the way he managed, and I think there should be more like him. He made the game exciting. He made the game exciting in Baltimore."

Many of the fans believed current manager Buck Showalter is very similar to Weaver in style and work ethic.

Statement from Orioles Managing Partner Peter Angelos

"Earl Weaver stands alone as the greatest manager in the history of the Orioles organization and one of the greatest in the history of baseball. This is a sad day for everyone who knew him and for all Orioles fans. Earl made his passion for the Orioles known both on and off the field. On behalf of the Orioles, I extend my condolences to his wife, Marianna, and to his family."

Statement from Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

"This morning Baltimore and the baseball world mourn the death of the great Earl Weaver. As manager of the Orioles, Weaver helped to develop a smarter way of playing baseball and built a team that was competitive for decades. Weaver's teams brought pride as well as World Series championships to our great city. Today my prayers are with the Weaver family, the Orioles, and the generations of fans who loved his unique character and shared great memories on 33rd Street."

Statement from Governor Martin O'Malley

ôI am saddened to learn of the passing of Earl Weaver, a beloved Baltimore legend, a pioneer, and one of the greatest baseball managers of our time. ôAs manager, many will remember Earl for ushering in a new era of success for the Baltimore Orioles. In 17 seasons as manager, he led the O's to four World Series - including the memorable World Championship victory of 1970. Though we will miss him dearly, he will always be remembered for his passion for baseball and his spirited dedication to the Orioles and the City of Baltimore.ôOur thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.ö